Espicom's in-depth medical device market reports are ideal for executives wanting to understand the key drivers in medical markets and have access to a wealth of statistical data. Each report opens with an outlook section that provides analysis of the market, 5-year market forecasts, national data projections, market outlook and key developments such as regulation, health facilities and government policy. The report also provides extensive background information, population trends, health status, health expenditure, organisation & administration, hospital services, medical personnel, healthcare development, market access information, trade data and essential industry contacts. Included with the report are 3 free quarterly updated outlook reports, enabling you to keep up to date with market developments for a year. The Philippines is one of the poorest countries of south east Asia. Impressive pre-crisis growth rates created a relatively wealthy middle class in the Manila/Quezon City region, and it is here that the best medical facilities are to be found. Elsewhere, the health situation of the population remains poor. Localised but severe outbreaks of infectious diseases, such as cholera, are frequent, and access to adequate healthcare in poor areas remains limited.

Many hospitals, especially outside the prestigious facilities in Manila, lack adequate equipment. Limited budgets mainly have to be spent on personnel and recurrent items, leaving little room for smaller facilities to improve their stock of medical equipment.

The gradual extension of the Medicare insurance system should improve the general situation, as it will encourage people to seek treatment, and should provide hospitals with more income in order to improve their services. Administration of the health sector is highly devolved to local government units. This can make planning and co-ordination difficult. Between 50% and 60% of healthcare expenditure and provision is in the private sector. The Philippines has some domestic capacity to produce basic hospital items, but the majority of the market is supplied by imports. Private hospitals in Manila represent the best prospects for suppliers.

Primary care remains limited throughout much of the country. This shortage is directly responsible for many infectious disease outbreaks, as the necessary containing measures are often not put into place until the problem has become widespread. Gradual progress is being made here, however. The number of primary care clinics at Barangay level has increased in recent years, although staffing levels remains low. An exodus of medical staff overseas in pursuit of better wages and working conditions has put severe pressure on healthcare services.